At least 35 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Wednesday, according to the Iran-backed group's health ministry.
The Israeli military stated that it targeted military sites in the capital Sanaa and al-Jawf province, including what it referred to as the Houthis' military public relations headquarters, as retaliation for recent missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel.
However, the Houthis' military spokesman countered that the strikes hit civilian targets, claiming journalists and bystanders were among the dead as offices of two newspapers were struck.
In the early hours of Thursday, Israel announced the interception of a missile launched from Yemen, with one of the Houthi leaders threatening to retaliate strongly against the Israeli attacks.
Last month, a prior Israeli strike resulted in the death of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and other officials, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
Videos from the scene depicted plumes of smoke rising over Sanaa following the strikes, as first responders worked through wreckage in search of missing persons.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the air strikes targeting military installations responsible for attacks on Israeli territory, including UAV launches and missile strikes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel would continue to strike back against any attempts to harm its citizens, emphasizing their resolve amid retaliatory threats from the Houthis.
The Tahrir area of Sanaa was one of the more heavily affected areas, as reported by the group's Al-Masirah TV, which claimed that several civilian buildings and sites were significantly damaged.
Amidst ongoing tensions, the Houthis have maintained their stance of attacking Israel, presenting their actions as support for the Palestinian cause since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
